Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 28596-28599 [2017-13129]
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28596
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 120 / Friday, June 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
■
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH: Docket
No. FAA–2017–0638; Directorate
Identifier 2017–CE–018–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
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(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Diamond Aircraft
Industries GmbH Model DA 42, DA 42 M–
NG, and DA 42 NG airplanes, serial numbers
42.004 through 42.427, 42.AC001 through
42.AC151, 42.M001 through 42.M026,
42.N001 through 42.N067, 42.N100 through
42.N129, 42.NC001 through 42.NC008, and
42.MN001 through 42.MN033, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 27: Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as crack
formation on the flap bell crank. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the flap
bell crank, which could result in reduced
control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions:
(1) Inspect the flap bell crank, part number
(P/N) D60–2757–11–00, and modify the flap
control system by installing two spacers, P/
N DS BU2–10–06–0065–C, where the flap
actuator rod end bearing is connected to the
flap bell crank, following the Instructions
section in Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH
(DAI) Work Instruction WI–MSB 42–126/WI–
MSB 42NG–066, dated March 27, 2017
(single document), as specified in DAI
Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB 42–126/
MSB 42NG–066, dated March 27, 2017
(single document), at whichever of the
following compliance times occurs later:
(i) Before exceeding 600 hours time-inservice (TIS), and repetitively thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS.
(ii) Within the next 100 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD or within the next
6 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, and repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours
TIS.
(2) If any discrepancies are found during
any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD, before further flight, replace the flap
bell crank with an improved part, P/N D60–
2757–11–00_01, following the Instructions
section in DAI Work Instruction WI–MSB
42–126/WI–MSB 42NG–066, dated March 27,
2017 (single document), as specified in DAI
Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB 42–126/
MSB 42NG–066, dated March 27, 2017
(single document). Installing P/N D60–2757–
11–00_01 terminates the repetitive
inspections required in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD. This installation as terminating
action may be done in lieu of the inspections
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
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Frm 00008
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4144; fax: (816) 329–
4090; email: mike.kiesov@faa.gov. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane
to which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the
FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017–0074, dated
April 28, 2017. You may examine the MCAI
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0638. For service information
related to this AD, contact Diamond Aircraft
Industries GmbH, N.A. Otto-Stra+e 5, A–2700
Wiener Neustadt, Austria, telephone: +43
2622 26700; fax: +43 2622 26780; email:
office@diamond-air.at; Internet: https://
www.diamondaircraft.com. You may review
this referenced service information at the
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June
19, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–13139 Filed 6–22–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0622; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–192–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A318 and A319 series
airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes; and
Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
SUMMARY:
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asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of a vertical strut penetrating
through the cabin floor during an
emergency water landing and on
airframe ground contact at certain
speeds/accelerations. This proposed AD
would require modification of the
fuselage structure at frame (FR) 65. We
are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus,
Airworthiness Office–EIAS, 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0622; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:12 Jun 22, 2017
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28597
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
allocations and configuration definitions
were identified in it. Consequently Airbus
revised that SB, and in addition issued SB
A320–53–1333 and SB A320–53–1334.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires modification of the
fuselage structure at FR65.
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2017–0622; Directorate Identifier
2016–NM–192–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0622.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2016–0212, dated October 25,
2016 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Model A318 and A319 series airplanes;
Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
–232, and –233 airplanes; and Model
A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212,
–213, –231, and –232 airplanes. The
MCAI states:
In service occurrences were reported
where, as a consequence [during an
emergency water landing and] of an airframe
ground contact above certified vertical speed/
vertical acceleration, the vertical strut at
Frame (FR) 65 penetrated through the cabin
floor.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to injury of occupants and/or delays during
emergency evacuation.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus developed mod 153724, a structural
change which prevents the central vertical
strut at FR65 to pass through the cabin floor,
and issued Service Bulletin (SB) A320–53–
1262 to provide instructions for installation
of this modification on aeroplanes in service.
After SB A320–53–1262 was issued, incorrect
MSN [manufacturer serial number]
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Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following
Airbus service information:
• Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1262, excluding Appendix 01 and
including Appendix 02, Revision 01,
dated July 29, 2016;
• Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1333, excluding Appendix 01 and
including Appendix 02, dated July 29,
2016; and
• Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1334, excluding Appendix 01 and
including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated
July 29, 2016.
The service information describes
procedures for modifying the fuselage
structure at FR 65. These documents are
distinct since they apply to different
airplane configurations. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of these same
type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 1,123 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Modification ......................................
18 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,530 .......................
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:12 Jun 22, 2017
Jkt 241001
Parts cost
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2017–0622;
Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–192–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified
in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4)
of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers, except those on
which Airbus Modification 153724 was
embodied in production.
(1) Airbus Model A318–111, –112, –121,
and –122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321–111, –112, –131,
–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of a vertical strut penetrating through
the cabin floor during an emergency water
landing and on airframe ground contact at
certain speeds/accelerations. We are issuing
this AD to prevent the central vertical strut
at frame (FR) 65 from penetrating through the
cabin floor in certain conditions, which
could lead to injury of occupants and delays
during an emergency evacuation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Modification
Within 72 months after the effective date
of this AD, modify the fuselage structure at
FR 65, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) For Model A318 and A319 series
airplanes; Model A320–211, –212, –214,
PO 00000
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$16,600
Cost per
product
$18,130
Cost on U.S.
operators
$20,359,990
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes; and Model
A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213,
–231, and –232 airplanes, as identified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1262,
Revision 01, dated July 29, 2016: Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1262, excluding
Appendix 01 and including Appendix 02,
Revision 01, dated July 29, 2016.
(2) For Model A320–211, –212, –214, –232,
and –233 airplanes, as identified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1333, dated July
29, 2016: Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1333, excluding Appendix 01 and including
Appendix 02, dated July 29, 2016.
(3) For Model A321–211, –213, and –231
airplanes as identified in Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–53–1334, dated July 29, 2016:
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1334,
excluding Appendix 01 and including
Appendixes 02 and 03, dated July 29, 2016.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
service information contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 120 / Friday, June 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(i) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016–0212, dated
October 25, 2016, for related information.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0622.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 2,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–13129 Filed 6–22–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0556; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–098–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–23–
10, which applies to all Airbus Model
A318 series airplanes; Model A319
series airplanes; Model A320–211, –212,
–214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes;
and Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
AD 2012–23–10 requires modifying the
affected slide rafts. Since we issued AD
2012–23–10, we received a report that
Air Cruisers developed a modification
of the slide and slide/raft, which is part
of the escape slide pack assembly, to
improve its deployment. This proposed
AD would retain the requirements of AD
2012–23–10. This proposed AD would
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:12 Jun 22, 2017
Jkt 241001
also require replacing each escape slide
pack assembly having a certain part
number with a new escape slide pack
assembly. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For Airbus service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus,
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. For
Zodiac Aerospace service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Air
Cruisers, Cage Code 70167, 1747 State
Route 34, Wall Township, NJ 07727–
3935; telephone: (732) 681–3527;
Internet: https://www.
zodiacaerospace.com. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425–227–1221.
DATES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0556; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
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28599
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2017–0556; Directorate Identifier
2016–NM–098–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On November 13, 2012, we issued AD
2012–23–10, Amendment 39–17266 (77
FR 70369, November 26, 2012) (‘‘AD
2012–23–10’’). AD 2012–23–10 requires
actions intended to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus Model A318,
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
Since we issued AD 2012–23–10, we
have determined that it may no longer
address the unsafe condition, and that it
is necessary to replace each escape slide
pack assembly having a certain part
number with a new escape slide pack
assembly having a certain part number,
or modify the escape slide pack.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0043,
dated March 4, 2016 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI
states:
Two occurrences were reported on Airbus
A320 family aeroplanes where the escape
slide raft inflation system did not deploy
when activated. This was due to the rotation
of the cable guide in a direction, which
resulted in jamming of the inflation control
cable. Additionally, one case was reported
where the system did not deploy properly
due to a cracked inflation hose fitting.
Investigation conducted by Air Cruisers
E:\FR\FM\23JNP1.SGM
23JNP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 120 (Friday, June 23, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28596-28599]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13129]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0622; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-192-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -
212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -
131, -211,
[[Page 28597]]
-212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of a vertical strut penetrating through the cabin floor during
an emergency water landing and on airframe ground contact at certain
speeds/accelerations. This proposed AD would require modification of
the fuselage structure at frame (FR) 65. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus,
Airworthiness Office-EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51;
email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0622; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405;
fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0622;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-192-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0212, dated October 25, 2016 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232,
and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -
231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:
In service occurrences were reported where, as a consequence
[during an emergency water landing and] of an airframe ground
contact above certified vertical speed/vertical acceleration, the
vertical strut at Frame (FR) 65 penetrated through the cabin floor.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to injury of
occupants and/or delays during emergency evacuation.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed mod
153724, a structural change which prevents the central vertical
strut at FR65 to pass through the cabin floor, and issued Service
Bulletin (SB) A320-53-1262 to provide instructions for installation
of this modification on aeroplanes in service. After SB A320-53-1262
was issued, incorrect MSN [manufacturer serial number] allocations
and configuration definitions were identified in it. Consequently
Airbus revised that SB, and in addition issued SB A320-53-1333 and
SB A320-53-1334.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification of the fuselage structure at FR65.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0622.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following Airbus service information:
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1262, excluding Appendix
01 and including Appendix 02, Revision 01, dated July 29, 2016;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1333, excluding Appendix
01 and including Appendix 02, dated July 29, 2016; and
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1334, excluding Appendix
01 and including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated July 29, 2016.
The service information describes procedures for modifying the
fuselage structure at FR 65. These documents are distinct since they
apply to different airplane configurations. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,123 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 28598]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification.......................... 18 work-hours x $85 per $16,600 $18,130 $20,359,990
hour = $1,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2017-0622; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
192-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which
Airbus Modification 153724 was embodied in production.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a vertical strut
penetrating through the cabin floor during an emergency water
landing and on airframe ground contact at certain speeds/
accelerations. We are issuing this AD to prevent the central
vertical strut at frame (FR) 65 from penetrating through the cabin
floor in certain conditions, which could lead to injury of occupants
and delays during an emergency evacuation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification
Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
fuselage structure at FR 65, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) For Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -
212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112,
-131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes, as identified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1262, Revision 01, dated July 29,
2016: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1262, excluding Appendix 01
and including Appendix 02, Revision 01, dated July 29, 2016.
(2) For Model A320-211, -212, -214, -232, and -233 airplanes, as
identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1333, dated July 29,
2016: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1333, excluding Appendix 01
and including Appendix 02, dated July 29, 2016.
(3) For Model A321-211, -213, and -231 airplanes as identified
in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1334, dated July 29, 2016: Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-53-1334, excluding Appendix 01 and including
Appendixes 02 and 03, dated July 29, 2016.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district
office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in
[[Page 28599]]
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures
or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(i) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0212, dated October 25,
2016, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0622.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 2, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-13129 Filed 6-22-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P